Assistant Professor in Algae biochemistry

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), at University of Copenhagen is offering a 3-year employment as Assistant Professor to study CO2 negative biomanufacturing in eukaryotic marine algae. The candidate duties will include research within metabolic engineering of eukaryotic marine algae as well as teaching.

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within algae biochemistry. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.

The requirements
Applicants should, prior to the start date, hold a PhD degree in synthetic biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, microbial biology, algae biology or similar subjects, and should be fluent in both spoken and written English. Preferably candidates should have >1 years of research experience (academia or industrial R&D) since their PhD defense.  Previous publications, research grants, supervision experience and relevant work experience will be included in the assessment of your qualifications.

Key scientific qualification areas 

• Molecular biology
• Algae metabolic engineering
• Analytical chemistry / pigment analysis
• Heterologous expression of algae proteins
• Protein biochemistry
• Strong publication record
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Key personal skills 

• Enthusiasm and good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with others including supervision and mentoring of students
• Broad curiosity in biological questions and open-mindedness to cross-disciplinary research
• Curiosity driven interdisciplinary approach to science and a generous and open mindset
• Ability to work independently and manage your research project
• Ability to critically review research results generated as part of the project
• Engagement in Departmental and Laboratory activities including lab duties, teaching and dissemination of your research
• Ensuring GLP and general safety operations

Description of the scientific environment
The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is a large department (>450 employees) dedicated to plant, microbial, and environmental sciences (https://plen.ku.dk/english/). Further information about PLEN.

The position is a 3-year position at the section for Plant Biochemistry as the working place.  The successful applicants will join the Algae Biochemistry research group (ABG) headed by Associate Professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg. ABG currently consist of 1 ass. Prof. 4 Post docs, and 2 PhD students. The candidate is expected to collaborate with and co-supervise other members of the project group.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organizational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at criteria.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Johan Andersen-Ranberg (joar@plen.ku.dk).

The position is open from 1st of April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plansIf available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 28th of February 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

 After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held immediately after the deadline.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0488/25-2A.